Punctuation marks: hyphens and dashes. What are the differences between the signs

Studying the nuances of the Russian language can be a lifetime, so to the end and not mastering this difficult science. In this article, let's talk about the special signs of punctuation, which are called "hyphens" and "dashes." What is their difference and how to properly write them (or print) - in this and we will understand.

What it is?

Still, first of all you need to understand the concepts themselves. So, a hyphen and a dash are two completely different not only in the spelling, but also in the intended use of the punctuation mark. It is worth mentioning that the rules for writing them are not so simple - there are a lot of different nuances when and how to correctly apply this or that punctuation mark. Understand this is the main goal of this article. Important will be the basic rule that you need to follow in order to avoid mistakes:

• A hyphen is used to join parts of a single word;
• Dash is designed to divide two words (if the word is spoken out, then a small pause should follow the dash).

The main problems

So, we figured out that the signs of hyphens and dashes are completely different in their purpose (the difference lies in the rules for writing them). Now it is worth considering the most difficult situations, when a person may have doubts about what to put - a hyphen or a dash.

1. The hyphen is put at a spelling of double surnames (Petrov-Vodkin, Gay-Lussac).
2. Dash is put in the name of those laws that are named after the names of several scientists (the Boyle-Mariott Act).
3. Dashes are placed in numerical and spatial ranges (20-21th century, on pages 1-2, Kiev-Moscow). However, if this is an elective turnover "one or the other," then you need to put a hyphen (three to four days).
4. In different numbers, numeric notations are written a hyphen (tel 5-36-42).

It is also important to say that if words that are written through a hyphen are converted into phrases, then you need to put a dash or even a pass. Example: "half a spoon" turns into "half a tablespoon".

Is there a third?

In Russian, there are two punctuation marks that look about the same - a hyphen and a dash (when written differ in the length of the wand). However, there is one more kindred in topography, which looks about the same - it's a minus. How to determine what is printed on the page? So, the main rule: look at the length of the stick, which is printed on the sheet. Everything should look something like this:

• The hyphen: -.
• Less: -.
• Dash: -.

At first glance, maybe the differences are not too obvious, but they certainly are. The hyphen is the shortest of the signs, followed by a minus, and only then the dash is the longest punctuation mark.

About typing on a computer

After understanding the signs of punctuation, you should also learn and remember how to correctly type a hyphen and a dash in the "Word". So, for this, there is a certain key combination.

1. To type a hyphen (hyphen, dash), for this it is simple to find the corresponding sign on the keyboard (there are two keys for this).
2. Minus (En dash). To type this character, you need to press Ctrl + hyphen on the right numeric keypad (calculator).
3. Dash (Em dash). To put this punctuation mark, you have to flip the following key combination: Alt + Ctrl + hyphen on the right numeric keypad (calculator).

You can also use special codes for the set of hyphen signs and dashes on the keyboard. Tire - 0151; Hyphen - 0150. For input simply it is necessary to press Alt + the code corresponding to the necessary sign.

About writing characters

So, we know what hyphens and dashes are. What is the difference when typing - figured out. Now you should consider several rules for writing them. So, if you need to decide what is written - hyphen or minus (these signs are very similar to each other), remember that the hyphen is small. The minus should be equal to the width of the plus sign. Another very important rule: a dash on the computer on both sides is repulsed by spaces, a hyphen is not. Very entertaining fact: the dash on the computer fits the width of the letter m, so in the English version and called Em dash. The same applies to the remaining characters: minus - by width n (En dash), a hyphen - just a short stick (dash).

Rules: when a hyphen is put

So, when should you use a hyphen, according to the rules of the Russian language?

1. To attach particles (once, by someone).
2. To join prefixes (in Russian, in the first place).
3. If necessary, the division of complex words (chemical and biological).
4. If you need a reduction sign (count, fiz-ra).
5. In word-combinations (Internet cafes, business lunch).
6. As a sign of transference (which, however, on the Internet today almost never occurs).

Simple rules: when the dash is put

Considering such punctuation marks as hyphens and dashes, differences in their application, one should remember the rules. So, when do you need to use a dash?

1. To denote direct speech.
2. This sign is placed between the members of the sentence.
3. To connect the dates, distances (11-12th century, Kiev-Moscow).
4. To replace the repetitive words that go in a row in one heading.
5. Other rules of the Russian language.

The rules of the Russian language

It is worth mentioning that there are a lot of different nuances when writing such a punctuation mark as a dash. So, when should it be applied correctly?

1. Between the predicate and the subject, when the string remains zero, and the main terms are expressed either by a noun or by a numeral (Love is the charm of nature).
2. Before the following words: this, here, means, which are between the predicate and the subject (dreams are a serious mental illness).
3. If there is a pause in incomplete sentences.
4. Intonational dash between any members of the sentence.
5. In the notes, when the explanable word must be separated from the explanation itself.
6. If the proposal is of an explanatory nature, the dash can be used for isolation.
7. For the logical allocation of an application, if it is at the end of the sentence.
8. For isolating plug-in structures.
9. Also a dash is placed in compound sentences, if there is an opposition or a quick change of events.
10. In non-union sentences (if the second part is opposed to the first, if in the second part there is a comparison with the first, in the second part there is a conclusion regarding the first part, if the sentence expresses a rapid change of events, the second part of the sentence is the connecting part of the first part).

However, it should be said that this is not a complete list of when the dash should be placed. In total, you can count up to 50 rules and nuances. Above, the most common cases of using this punctuation mark are presented.

When there is no dash

Studying such punctuation marks as a hyphen and a dash, it is also worthwhile to consider situations when dashes are not used in sentences.

1. If there is an opening word before the predicate, a negation, a particle, a union, an adverb (I am very sorry that my husband is not a doctor).
2. In the case if the predicate is preceded by a secondary member of the proposal, referring to it (All of Russia is our garden).
3. The predicate is preceded by a nominal predicate (glorious place is this valley).
4. Dash is not put, if the subject along with the predicate is a phraseological (someone else's soul is dark).
5. If the subject is expressed by a personal pronoun, the predicate is expressed by a noun necessarily in the nominative case.
6. In various sentences of spoken style.

Simple conclusions

Having figured out how and when you need to correctly apply such punctuation marks as a hyphen and a dash, it's also worth knowing how to distinguish them in already written text. After reading this article, you can easily understand all the nuances and never get into unpleasant situations that involve illiterate writing similar in nature punctuation marks.